Bamboo Shrimp – Habitat, Care, Feeding, Tank Size, Breeding

The bamboo shrimp, which is also known as Singapore Fan Shrimp, Singapore Shrimp, or Asian Filter Feeding Shrimp, is a popular freshwater shrimp. It is a native to Southeast Asia and mainly found in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, and some parts of the Philippines.

These shrimp are usually found in creeks and fast-flowing streams. To learn more about bamboo shrimp, please read on. We will discuss various aspects such as appearance, water conditions, requirements, diet, breeding, water conditions, and tank mates. 

Bamboo Shrimp Appearance 

Bamboo shrimp can grow up to a size of between 2 – 5 inches and can survive for up to three years. Unfortunately, malnutrition and starvation are usually common with shrimp keeping. And this often affects their size.

One unique thing about them is that they are very colorful. Their colors range from red to brown. Some have a stripe of white on their backs. Interestingly, the white line might only be visible when the shrimp are in a happy mood.

So, it is safe to say that this is the best way to understand their moods. But for you to fully know your shrimp, you might need to observe it over an extended period.

A happy bamboo can keep filtering food in the high flow area for long hours. So, they rarely hide. However, during molting, they feel threatened, so they may move to their hiding spots. 

Bamboo Shrimp Tank Requirements

Fortunately, bamboo shrimp do not require much, as they are known for their peaceful nature. Nonetheless, they still require some effort. If you can’t get an aquarium that is at least 75 gallons, it is better to keep one shrimp per tank.

Being filter feeders, it is usually not easy for a normal aquarium to support even one. So, if you place several of them together, it is likely to result in a food shortage.

So far, there is still some disagreement regarding the minimum tank size to keep bamboo shrimp, but one can survive in an aquarium with at least 76 liters (20 gallons) of water. The bigger it is, the better. 

The tank should also be heavily planted. Basically, what you need to maintain are conditions that are similar to their natural habitat, with a wood stick for the shrimp to stand on as well as a strong filter. Smooth river stones and driftwood can also help to create an environment that mimics their natural habitat. 

Bamboo Shrimp Water Conditions

Besides tank size, make sure the water pH level ranges 6.5 – 7.4. Ammonia and nitrites should also be oppm. When it comes to the temperature of the tank, bamboo shrimp do well in aquariums that are at least 73 F, but sure it doesn’t surpass 82 F.

Sometimes, they might die immediately they are introduced to a tank if they are not acclimated to the water mainly through the drip method. 

Another important thing is to include hiding spots in the aquarium as the shrimp molt and changes their exoskeletons every two months. During this period, they are completely defenseless.

So, when a new one appears, these creatures often look for places to hide for at least a few days until the new exoskeleton becomes firmer. This revelation should also serve as a lesson when choosing a shrimp.

You should carefully examine them to make sure they are intact. These creatures can lose antennae, limbs, or even eyes with ease. Thankfully, missing limbs can grow back after some time. 

Bamboo Shrimp Diet and Feeding

Bamboo shrimp are detrivores, meaning that they feed on filter. So, they are less likely to feed on the bottom left food. For this reason, they normally stand motionless in the current for many hours for the food particles to stick to their fans.

Actually, they position themselves in a way that they face a relatively strong current. In their wild, they reside in fast-flowing streams, giving them plentiful food sources. That is why it is not always easy to recreate them in an aquarium.

But one fascinating thing about their feeding habits is that they can secure their position so as to get the best possible angle on a stream of water. They seem to love it when the substrate gets stirred up – for instance when a rooted plant shakes. 

With this knowledge, you can feed them by pouring powdered food in a way that they can flow to their fans. If you are wondering which food to give them, crushed fish flakes, baby shrimp food, and algae powder are sufficient.

Sometimes, you may spot a lot of dirt on their bodies. This could be an indication that there is too much-powdered food that floats around. At this point, you may need to get cleaner tank mates. Likewise, if you spot them digging the substrate looking for food, then it is time to give them more food. 

Bamboo Shrimp Tank Mates

Bamboo shrimp are generally calm and peaceful. After all, they have no craws to cause chaos or defend themselves. So, they can only cohabit with friendly creatures.

These creatures love staying with other shrimps like Amano shrimp, Ghost shrimp, and many others. Other tank mates include Corys, Ottos, Chinese Algae Eaters, and Nerite snails. 

With that said, large, aggressive aquarium pets should be avoided. This includes cichlids and predator fish, such as Peacock Bass and Arowanas.

Aggressive fish like crayfish should be put together with shrimp as they can hunt them relentlessly, which often results in deaths. 

Bamboo Shrimp Breeding

Bamboo shrimp are a freshwater shrimp. However, their larvae can only survive in brackish water. While some hobbyists are claiming that they can breed them successfully in freshwater, their claims are usually unsubstantiated. 

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, this article has given you a better idea about bamboo shrimp and motivated you to develop a soft spot for these colorful creatures. Overall, bamboo shrimp will be ideal for anyone who likes to observe changes in his or her aquarium.

These fish are well known for their color-changing habits. It is also quite interesting to observe their other behaviors, especially the way they east, molt, and breed, among other fun stuff.

Since they are easy to take care of, bamboo shrimp might also appeal to aquarium owners who do not want to take too much responsibility.